Moon shots
FULL MOON FESTIVAL On the day of January’s full moon, Belmont World Film presents a mini-fest of movies for kids exploring that mysterious, magical orb in the sky. Screenings of “Lotte and the Moonstone Secret” (10:30 a.m., for ages 3-8) and “Moon Man” (1 p.m., for ages 7 and up) are followed by snack time (half moon cookies) and astronomer-led discussions of the phases of the moon. Jan. 26. $5-$12. Studio Cinema, 376 Trapelo Road, Belmont. 617-484-3980, www.belmontworldfilm.org
Kids
OLIVER! Our favorite song from the musical version of Charles Dickens’s novel “Oliver Twist” is also one of our favorite things. “Food, Glorious Food” is among the tunes when Wheelock Family Theatre presents the tale of a young boy trying to survive in the slums of Victorian London. Jan. 25-Feb. 24. Fri 7:30 p.m., Sat-Sun 3 p.m. Vacation week matinees Feb. 19-22, 1 p.m. $20-$30. Wheelock Family Theatre, 180 The Riverway, Boston. 617-879-2300, www.wheelockfamilytheatre.org
LUNAR NEW YEAR AT THE ZOO It’s the Year of the Snake, so go visit some at the Franklin Park Zoo’s Tropical Forest. Celebratory activities include dance, arts, and crafts by the Winchester School of Chinese Culture and the Tian Yue Academy of the Arts. Jan. 26, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $17, $11 ages 2-12, $14 seniors, under 2 free. Franklin Park Zoo, 1 Franklin Park Road, Boston. 617-541-5466, www.franklinparkzoo.org
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NEW PHILHARMONIA FAMILY DISCOVERY SERIES For its second family concert of the season, the orchestra explores the theme “The Musical Forest” with students from the Suzuki School of Newton. Respighi’s “The Birds” and “Pines of Rome” are the featured pieces. After the concert, stick around for an instrument petting zoo. Jan. 27, 3 p.m. $15, $13 seniors, $10 students. First Baptist Church, 848 Beacon St., Newton.
617-527-9717, www.newphil.org
Events
SUPER HUNGER BRUNCH Enjoy brunch and help the hungry during the Greater Boston Food Bank’s 31st annual benefit. Boston area restaurants including Blue Ginger, Craigie on Main, Chez Henri, Rialto, Harvest, and La Morra create special menus for the event. Jan. 26-27. $25, $35, $50. See website for full list of participating restaurants. 617-427-5200, www.gbfb.org
WRITING 122: A MAGAZINE WRITING WORKSHOP Those looking to break into the magazine industry can get help from experts including Boston Magazine’s Courtney Hollands (lifestyle writing), the Boston Globe’s David Abel (travel writing), and Eater Boston’s Aaron Kagan (food writing). The symposium also offers workshops covering business, fashion, and entertainment writing. Esquire Magazine’s John Mariani delivers the keynote. Jan. 26, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $80. Boston Center for Adult Education, 122 Arlington St., Boston. 617-267-4430, www.bcae.org
ONCE IN VALHALLA In the heart of winter, Cuisine en Locale combines locavorism and lore in a four-hour food fest featuring eats, music, and theatrics. The Viking-themed event features all-you-can-eat-meat and wintry fruits and roots in a 10-course Nordic feast. Jan. 25, 7-11 p.m. $100. Center for Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville. www.cuisineenlocale.com
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PLENAZO PARRANDERO Got a tambourine? How about a cowbell? Bring them to a winter party featuring Jorge Arce and Raíz de Plena, the Sankofa Bomba Dance Troupe, DJ RiffStylez, and traditional Puerto Rican eats. Jan. 26, 7 p.m. $35 concert and dance. Spontaneous
Celebrations, 45 Danforth St., Jamaica Plain. 787-364-0198, www.jorgearce.org